Date: 30 May 2024 (Thursday)
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Venue: Cheung Kung Hai Lecture Theatre 1, G/F, William M.W. Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road  

5:00 p.m.

Presenter: Yee Lo CHEUNG (PhD candidate)
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Zhongjun ZHOU
Presentation Title: Haploinsufficiency of HnRNP A1 in Sirtuin 6-Deficient mice rescues aging phenotypes and restores intestinal markers
Abstract: Aging is a multifaceted process governed by an intricate network of molecular pathways. Within this framework, Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6), a prominent member of the sirtuin protein family, is acknowledged as an essential regulator of lifespan. Sirt6 deficiency in C57BL/6 mice results in a survival period not exceeding 4 weeks, underscoring its critical role in regulating aging. Our findings indicate that haploinsufficiency of hnRNP A1 could potentially rescue different aging phenotypes observed in Sirt6 knockout mice. Mice deficient in Sirt6, when coupled with hnRNP A1 haploinsufficiency (Sirt 6 -/-; HnRNP A1+/-), demonstrate enhanced vitality, surviving beyond 200 days. HnRNP A1 haploinsufficiency also notably rescues intestinal structure and the expressions of various intestinal lineage markers in Sirt 6 knockout mice. This indicates that hnRNPA1 heterozygosity may mitigate the adverse phenotypic effects associated with Sirt6 deficiency, suggesting a potential compensatory mechanism that alleviates the impacts of Sirt6 loss.

5:30 p.m.

Presenter: Yinuo XIE (PhD candidate)
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Julian Alexander TANNER
Presentation Title: Aptamer-mediated targeting of MMP14 as a potential therapeutic for low bone mass
Abstract: Reduced bone mass (osteopenia) is a major health issue during ageing and in congenital disorders. Mmp14, membrane bound matrix metalloproteinase was found as a candidate regulator of the hyperthrophic chondrocyte to osteoblast lineage, playing a crucial role in several processes that facilitate bone repair and remodeling. Previous research suggested that ablation of Mmp14 increased trabecular bone in mouse model while amplified the effect of PTH on osteoblastogenesis, indicating that Inhibition of MMP14 may become a potential therapeutic measure for osteopenia. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) as one of most used gene knockdown therapeutics which modifies gene expression and mRNA splicing has been utilized in many genetic disorders. Different Stabilization strategies for ASO have been developed to achieve intracellular delivery. In which, self-assembled DNA nanostructures with its programmable structure is considered to hold remarkable potential. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotide (DNA or RNA) with unique three-dimensional conformations which allow them to specifically target including molecules, surfaces, and cells. Thus, the lack of precising targeting ability of DNA nanostructure itself can be addressed by the convergence of aptamers and DNA nanostructure. Herein, this study is aiming to Develop an aptamer-mediated gene silencing therapeutics targeting osteoblasts including new delivery capabilities ideal for bone and cartilage targeting.

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